Jorge Lorenzo, who won by just under 6 seconds in a phenomenal display:
“Half an hour before the race I felt a little bit nervous so I had to really concentrate and relax on the grid. I knew it was going to be difficult to open a gap but I had to try...

I made a good start and pushed more than 100%.

“In the beginning it was hard to open the gap as Pedrosa didn’t want to let me get away, he tried to stay with me but after six or seven laps I opened the gap which made me more confident to keep my pace.

“I’m very happy for Yamaha and happy for Valentino as he has now passed two difficult years.”

Valentino Rossi, who recovered from as low as seventh position to pick his way through to second:
“I’m more than happy, very happy indeed because it was my dream to come back with Yamaha.

To arrive on the podium at the first race was my target from November and I put all my effort to arrive at the maximum here.

“It was a difficult weekend, especially yesterday in qualifying, but I knew I had great pace so I tried to recover in the beginning but I made a mistake and I lost time. I had to do a great second part of the race and step by step I came close to my podium.

“In the end there was a great battle, especially with Marc for the second place. I’m so happy for me, for my team, for my friends and all my fans who stay with me through two difficult years and also for Yamaha, to start the season with first and second place is not so bad!”

Marc Márquez, the rookie who has taken MotoGP by storm:
“To tell the truth, I was pretty nervous on the grid, because it was my first MotoGP race. I don't think I've ever been so nervous before. I found it hard to keep calm and I wasn't as focused as in Moto2. However, I regained my concentration at the last moment.

“The start was important and we knew that we were taking off from the dirty part of the track. I didn't get off well, but I was able to attack on the opening laps and overtake many riders. I think that this was the key.

When I rode behind Dani I learnt a lot, also later on with Valentino. Fighting against him is always nice to watch, but it's always tough at the same time.

“Valentino was a tough rival to overtake on the final laps. He beat us this time, but we hope to learn from him and from everyone who went faster than us.”